10 Montpellier Arcade Cheltenham GL50 1SU
Tel: 01242 269656
Email: info@cheltenhamifa.co.uk

As our lifestyles and our expectations change, more and more of us are turning to private healthcare. The National Health Service (NHS) does a very good job under difficult conditions in looking after the nation's health. Although well reported concerns around MRSA, general hygiene and waiting lists are causing many people to have concerns. This has led to more and more individuals, families and companies opting to take out Private Medical Insurance (known as PMI) either privately or through their employer.

What is PMI?
Private medical insurance is designed to cover the costs of private medical treatment for curable short-term illness or injury (commonly known as acute conditions). Most people buy this type of insurance to gain the reassurance of knowing that treatment is available promptly, if they become ill or are injured. As a private patient you can often choose when treatment will take place, the specialist who treats you and the hospital. You will usually have the privacy of an en-suite room, complete with TV and other home comforts. Some illnesses and treatments will not be covered by a private medical insurance policy and these are common to most schemes. It is also important to remember that this insurance is not designed to replace all the services offered by the NHS. Some, such as accident and emergency, are beyond the scope of most private hospitals.

PMI plans are normally offered with three options of cover Basic, Standard and Comprehensive:

Basic plans have limited cover and normally exclude out-patient cover and the range of hospitals available may be limited.
Top of the range plans with comprehensive cover give complete peace of mind and will normally pay for in-patient, outpatient specialist consultant’s fees, diagnostic tests and scans. Physiotherapy and complementary therapies are sometimes covered too
The costs of some schemes can be reduced by taking out voluntary excess or by paying premiums annually

The Benefits of PMI -Individuals and Families
Having Private Medical Insurance can give you the following benefits:

Peace of mind for you and your family
No waiting lists, treatment when it suits you
Choice of hospitals with your own room
Consultants/specialists of your choice
High quality nursing care

The Benefits of PMI - Company Schemes
Research with small to medium sized companies has found the following benefits of having PMI for staff:

The speed of treatment means reduced staff sickness as employees can return to work more quickly
Reduces stress at work and gives peace of mind to employees and employers
Helps attract and retain quality staff and improves staff loyalty
Employees have more choice in their treatment; specialists, surgeons and hospitals

We act as Independent Advisers with no ties to any provider. We are therefore able to source the most competitive scheme to meet your requirements, and there is no fee payable for our services.





For more information on PMI, please contact Cheltenham Independent Financial Advisers Limited on 01242 269656 or email us at info@cheltenhamifa.co.uk. One of our advisers will be happy to assist you.